Cryptococcosis in Patients following Kidney Transplantation: A 9-Year Retrospective Clinical Analysis at a Chinese Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background. Cryptococcosis following kidney transplantation (KT) is rare but is associated with considerably increased risk of mortality. At present, data on the association between cryptococcosis and KT in mainland China remain relatively limited. Objectives. This study aims to review our experience related to the management of cryptococcosis following KT at a Chinese tertiary hospital. Methods. All patients with cryptococcosis following KT admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were reviewed. Results. A total of 37 patients with cryptococcosis were enrolled (males: 62.2%). The mean age of the patients was 49.5 ± 9.38 (20-64) years. The average time to infection following KT was 7.0 ± 5.50 years (5 months to 21 years), and 30 patients (81.1%) had cryptococcosis onset >2 years following transplantation. The most common site of infection was the central nervous system, followed by the pulmonary system and skin. Most patients received fluconazole or voriconazole with or without flucytosine as their initial treatment regimen at our hospital. The 2-week mortality rate was 8.1% (3/37), and five patients (13.5%) died within 6 months of being diagnosed with cryptococcosis. Remarkably, all patients who received high-dose fluconazole (800 mg daily) or voriconazole ± flucytosine survived. Conclusions. Cryptococcosis in kidney transplant recipients is typically a late-occurring infection, with most patients having cryptococcosis onset >2 years following KT at our hospital. The central nervous system, pulmonary system, and skin are the main sites of infection. Voriconazole or high-dose fluconazole can be used as an alternative therapy for post-KT cryptococcosis.